THE TORCH:May 2003 ON-LINE

THE BOTTOM LINE

Hugh M. Spoljaric, President

Kingston
Teachers’ Federation

“IT SAYS IT ALL!”

. In the past
two editions of The Bottom Line, I’ve tried to convey the point that I believe
that public education is on the cutting block of the Bush administration and of
ever one of their political allies. Do you get it? No more public education as
we know it! No more jobs! No more benefits! Don’t take a nap because this
agenda is quietly pushing forward and onward. Maybe, I need to say it
differently. Well, this past week, following the Marchforpubliceducation
at the Empire State Plaza on May 3, I received the following letter. It says it
all!

Dear Stu,

Not
knowing where to begin will not preclude our praise for the 5/3/03 rally in
Albany. You (along with many individuals unknown to us) are to be commended for
the organizational efforts that went into producing a very successful rally. We
have, over the years, been to other mass gatherings. None have exhibited such
concern for detail. While we came prepared for extremes in weather, we also
brought water, snacks, etc. Our positive impressions started with your coolers
of beverages, the bag lunches, continued with the Union staff at the Thruway
rest area(s), and the slips with the bus parking ID.

Upon
arrival at the Capitol Plaza, we first observed a combination of union staff
and various police agencies that, while adequate for the crowd, were not of a
level evoking an impression that confrontations were expected. Next were the
portable sanitary stations, the poster stations, as well as the lunch
facilities. Throughout the rally, uniformed staff was well dispersed to offer
any assistance. The sound and video systems were adequate for the assemblage,
but did not convey the message that the Union was wasteful of funds.

The
variety of excellent speakers was terrific, and even more astounding was the
speaking order. Whether by design or coincidence, between any two forceful speakers
was a speaker who projected a calming effect. This served well to prevent the
rally from turning into a mob scene (which the media in attendance would have
gladly exploited).

The
crowning glory, for which the entire membership is to be commended, was the
minimal (almost non-existent) level of debris upon the Plaza grounds and
surrounding areas where trash left by ralliers in their haste to depart is
usually found.

Yet the
message was clearly received; Governor, SIGN THE BILL; State Senate and
Assembly, OVERRIDE; and all voters, REMEMBER ELECTION DAY!

We must,
however, close on a negative note. Rhetorically, why did only a handful of the
Kingston membership choose to give up their day for this important function?
Please do not chastise yourself. As a union member, and a spouse who was once a
job steward, we (all three) already know the answer. ‘Let someone else carry
the banner, and we’ll jump on the caboose’. The poor turnout was, never the
less, disheartening for some of us who attended. God Bless you for leading the
cause.

Sincerely,

Nancy Schuerzinger,Karl Schuerzinger

Thanks,
folks, I couldn’t have said it any better.

And, that’s the Bottom Line.

BUDGET VOTE
RESCHEDULED

The state
legislators, hoping that a more definitive budget is in place, overrode the
Governors agenda and moved the voting for public schools budgets from May 20 to
June3. In doing so, they also reinstated $2.1 billion in education aid. The
Governor now has ten (10) days to veto that legislation. He could decide to do
it line by line which would put the budget process well in to the summer.

If the
Governors anticipated veto is overridden by the legislature, Kingston will
receive $3 million in additional aid. The district has not decided how it will
be applied.

It is vitally
important that you let our assemblyman and senators know that “we have their
back” and will support them ion their challenge to the Governor. If they think
that you are not there, there will be no support. Go to the NYSUT web site,
click on ‘contact your legislator’, and send a fax (ready made letter) or an
email to them. Locally, our Assemblyman is Kevin Cahill (101st) and
Bill Larkin (39th) and John Bonacic (40th)
represent the Senate. Larkin and Bonacic are
Republicans and need to know that you back the challenge to governor Pataki.
Even for the computer illiterate, this is a simple task.

KTF PHONE BANKS:
Have you done your ‘jury duty’ for your Federation this year? The opportunity
exists at the Phone Banks. The KTF has rescheduled the banks for May 27 (4-8pm)
and May 28 (4-6pm) at the NYSUT office. It’s all automated dialing and an
opportunity to support your careers. Contact Sandy Breitenberger
at KHS to get involved.

AGENCY FEE PAYMENT REFUND:Pursuant to Section 208 of the Public
Employment Act, Article XIV of the Civil Service Law m(Taylor Law), you are
eligible for a partial refund of the fee paid for the upcoming 2003-04 fiscal
year. Please submit your request and reasons for the refundin writing to RoseMarieMaresca, KHS, by June 30, 2003.

RETIREES LUNCHEON

The luncheon
for the Kingston Retired Teachers’ Federation will be held on May 22 at Wiltwyck. Additionally, there is a bus trip to NYC on May
28 and an excursion to Saratoga Race Track on July 31. Contact Anne Tucker or
Don Sweeney for more information.

NATIONAL HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP

National Health
Administrators has given a $1000 scholarship to a graduating senior from a KTF
family every year for the past six years. In fact, on three different
occasions, the selection committee was deadlocked on the winner, and National
Health gave two scholarships. The scholarship is based on a student’s complete
accomplishments of mind, body, and spirit.

Applications
are available from KTF Secretary LauriNaccarato at KHS and are due on July 2, 2003.

KTF ELECTIONS

The biennial
election for KTF Officers and Representatives will be held on Thursday, May 29,
2:30- 4 pm in the KHS Café.

The election
for the ESP Chairperson to the KTF is on the ballot. It is a contested position
with incumbent Joan White running against challenger James Habernig.

MADAM PRESIDENT

On May 4, Gail
Kelly, JWB, after serving as President-elect for two years, took office as
President of the New York State Council of Educational Associates for 2003-05.
The NYSCEA represents 40 affiliates of NYS Professional Associations.

The Council is
currently helping the State Education Department to wordsmith the Middle Level
Policy and Regulations. The last policy was written in 1984.

MENTORING

Do you have at
least five (5) years experience in your current position? OR, Are you a recent
(post 1998) retiree? Are you interested in mentoring a new teacher? Then, you
could be a candidate for a Mentoring position. Contact Pat Neher
at M. Clifford Miller Middle School, Fording Place Road, Lake Katrine, NY 12449 by May 31.

UFCU is
offering its members a great deal on both NEW and USED AUTO loans, as well as
refinances from other institutions, through May 31. The promotion loan rates
range from 2.45 to 4.8% on all auto loans. Whether you are looking for a
dependable automobile or a sporty new car, we have rates that will fit your
budget.

Also, don’t
forget about our FREE checking accounts. No fees, No service charges, NO
hassles! You pay for your checks and your account will never be charged unless
you bounce a check. UFCU offers overdraft on checking accounts, so you will
always be covered if you come up a bit short.

If you would
like further information on Auto Loan Specials or free Checking Accounts,
please contact Stacey at (845)339-5544, ext. 132.

OPEN ENROLLMENT

The annual Open
House is scheduled for June 12, 3-5 pm at the Cioni
Building. Any member, whether enrolled in a health plan or in the buyout, is
invited to attend. Representatives from NHA, BCBS, MVP, CDPHP, and GHI will be
present to review the plans effective July 1, 2003.

The Open House
may be beneficial to any member who wants to compare their current plan under a
spouse’s plan and/or contemplate making a change in their current plan. Current
plan designs and HMO costs will be available.

NHA OUT-OF-AREA STATUS:
OOA status is available to retired employees and covered dependents attending
school who are permanent residents outside of New York State or outside of the
50-mile radius of Kingston, NY. Registration is required with the Kingston
Trust Fund before services are rendered. Current retirees and/or students that
meet these criteria are registered as OOA with NHA. Approved status provides
the waiver of the $250 deductible with covered expenses reimbursed at the
in-network percentage instead of 80%. Effective July 1, 2003, the OOA
percentage will be 90%. Temporary OOA status is not available.

CONDOLENCES

To: Priscilla Lowe(MCM), on the passing of her significant
other; Barbara Tartarzewski (JWB), on the passing of
her father; Larraine Dart(KHS), on the passing of her significant other;
Michele Lowe(KHS), on the passing of her brother-in-law; Vicki Fabiano (KHS) on the passing of her mother-in-law; Betty
Eaton(KHS) on the passing of her mother-in-law; Linda Clausi
(Graves) on the passing of her mother-in-law; and A.J. Gruner(A.D.)
on the passing of his mother.

THANK YOU!

To: All members of the Kingston City Schools

As many of you
know, my son, Greg Waltman, was diagnosed with
leukemia on March 2001. Greg needed to undergo a bone marrow transplant. Greg
received that transplant one year ago and that transplant cured Greg of his
leukemia. Several weeks ago, we were able to celebrate Greg’s 18th
birthday.

All during his
medical treatments, Greg spoke of his determination to return to ‘his’ high
school and to graduate with ‘his’ class on time. I, being his Mother, watched
in awe as Greg battled to kep his promise. With the
help of so many, Greg’s promise will be a reality this June!

We would like
to thank all of you, with all our hearts, for all your help. Many of you
donated ‘sick days’ so I could remain with Greg during his lengthy hospital
stays. Those days were true gifts of life. We thank you for your prayers, well
wishes, generous donations, and, of course, all your acts of kindness. All of
you have helped us remain strong and focused.

All your
efforts helped to save Greg’s life. He and I know how truly fortunate we are to
be members of the community called Kingston City Schools!

With All Our
Thanks!Teresa and
Greg Waltman

HOUSES FOR RENT

2 bedroom house, 1 ½ baths on 10 acres in Town of Ulster.
$925/mo.+ utilities. Available June 1. Contact Beverly Daley at 339-3172.

Quaint Cape Cod cottage in South Yarmouth, Mass.,
centrally located in quiet residential area near shopping, 10 minutes from the
bay and sound. The home includes 2 bdrms., 1 bath,
LR, kit., sm. Sunrm., outdr.
Shower, washer/dryer. Beautifully decorated. No children or pets please.
Perfect for two couples. Available June thru Sept.$800.wk. Call Barbara DarbinTolfson at 339-4547 after
4 pm.